Train (ETS) + ferry
Fast, comfortable, easy transfer in Butterworth
Private car/taxi
Door-to-door, flexible, no transfers
Bus
Cheapest, frequent departures, multiple routes
Flight
No direct flights, unnecessary for short distance
Quick answer: Travel from Ipoh to Penang by direct bus, KTM ETS train + ferry, or private taxi. The train is the fastest public option, buses are the cheapest, and taxis offer the most comfort. Tickets can be booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Route: Ipoh → Butterworth → Penang Island (about 150 km).
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus 2.5–3 hours | Train + ferry 2–2.5 hours | Taxi about 2 hours.
- 💰 Price: Bus US$4–8 | Train + ferry US$5–10 | Taxi/private car US$60–90 per vehicle.
- 🚌 Bus: Direct, cheap and frequent, arriving in George Town or Sungai Nibong.
- 🚆 Train: KTM ETS to Butterworth, followed by a short ferry ride to Penang Island.
- 🚖 Taxi: The fastest and most flexible option, ideal for families or small groups.
Last updated in April 2026
From Ipoh to Penang you can travel by bus, KTM train or private taxi.
The distance from Ipoh to Penang is about 160 km. You can travel by direct bus, KTM ETS train to Butterworth, or private taxi. The train is the fastest public transport option, while buses are the cheapest. There are no direct flights.
Bus tickets cost about $3-6 per person, while KTM train tickets cost about $8-27 per person. From Butterworth, you can take a short ferry to George Town. Tickets for all transport options can be booked online in advance.
Penang is one of Malaysia’s most popular destinations, known for George Town, beaches and excellent street food. From Penang you can continue to Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, or Johor Bahru.
| Transfer Mode – Ipoh to Penang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 2–3.5 hours | $3–6/pp |
| KTM Train to Butterworth | 2 hours | $8–27/pp |
| Taxi/Car with a driver | 2 hours | $100–220/car |
How do I get from Ipoh to Penang?
1. BUS from Ipoh (Perak) to Penang
👉 Bus is the best-value way to travel from Ipoh to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and solo visitors
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2–3.5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $3–6 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: good (air-conditioned coaches with seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct buses to Penang Island (Sungai Nibong) with companies like CS Travel or Unititi Express
- 💡 Tip: Check arrival point carefully—some buses stop in Butterworth, requiring a short ferry ride to Georgetown.
Traveling by bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get from Ipoh to Penang Island. Bus companies such as CS Travel, Unititi Express, Sri Maju Group, Mayang Sari and Super Nice Express operate frequent daily services.
Buses depart from AmanJaya Bus Terminal and arrive at Sungai Nibong, Penang Sentral or Butterworth. If you arrive in Butterworth, you can continue by ferry to George Town.
The journey takes about 2-3.5 hours and bus tickets cost around $3-6/pp. You can easily book tickets online in advance and should always check the departure and arrival points before traveling.
| Bus Company | Departs in Ipoh | Arrival in Penang |
|---|---|---|
| Cepat Express | 04:00 | 06:04 |
| Mayang Sari | 04:45 | 08:07 |
| Mayang Sari | 17:00 | 20:22 |
| Mayang Sari | 17:30 | 20:52 |
| Mayang Sari | 18:30 | 21:52 |
| Sri Maju Group | 08:45 | 11:11 |
| Sri Maju Group | 12:00 | 14:26 |
| Sri Maju Group | 14:45 | 17:11 |
| Unititi Express | 10:30 | 13:55 |
| Unititi Express | 16:30 | 19:55 |
| CS Travel | 16:30 | 19:30 |
2. TRAIN + BOAT from Ipoh to Penang (via Butterworth)
👉 Train + ferry via Butterworth is the most comfortable and reliable way to reach Penang from Ipoh.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who prefer a smooth and punctual journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours (including ferry)
- ✔️ Cost: $8–27 per person + small ferry fee
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (modern trains with different seat classes)
- ✅ Best Option: KTM Berhad train to Butterworth + ferry to Georgetown
- 💡 Tip: Sit on the ferry side for nice views and keep your train ticket on your phone—no printing needed.
Traveling by KTM Berhad train is another comfortable way to get from Ipoh to Penang. Trains depart from Ipoh Railway Station and arrive at Butterworth Railway Station, see the Malaysia railway map.
The train journey takes about 2 hours and tickets cost around $8-27/pp, depending on the seat class. Tickets can be booked online in advance and used as e-tickets on your phone.
From Butterworth, you can continue by ferry to George Town. Ferries depart from Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal and arrive at Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda near George Town. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes, and tickets are purchased at the terminal.
| Train | Departs in Ipoh | Arrival in Butterworth |
|---|---|---|
| KTM Berhad ETS | 20:56 | 22:42 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 10:29 | 12:10 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 13:44 | 15:15 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 16:04 | 17:45 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 18:19 | 20:00 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 22:39 | 00:20 |
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Ipoh to Penang
👉 Private car/taxi is the fastest and most flexible way to get from Ipoh to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: families, groups, or travelers wanting door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $100–220 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: very high (private cars or spacious minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with companies like Daytrip or New Asian Travel
- 💡 Tip: Share the ride with others to reduce the cost and choose exact pickup/drop-off locations for maximum convenience.
A private car with a driver is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Ipoh to Penang or Butterworth. Companies such as Daytrip, FQD Travel and New Asian Travel offer private cars and minivans for this route.
The journey takes about 2 hours, depending on your exact pickup and drop-off locations. Private transfers cost around $100-220/car, with smaller cars being cheaper than larger minivans.
You can book your private transfer online in advance and choose your preferred departure and arrival points. This option is ideal for families, groups or travelers looking for maximum comfort.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Daytrip | 01:54 | From $110.00 / Standard 3pax |
| Daytrip | 01:54 | From $180.00 / Minivan 7pax |
| Daytrip | 01:54 | From $180.00 / Minivan 4pax |
| New Asian Travel | 02:30 | From $177.00 / Minivan 6pax |
| DTY Holidays | 03:00 | From $127.00 / Van 7pax |
| DTY Holidays | 03:00 | From $156.00 / Sedan 2pax |
| DTY Holidays | 03:00 | From $170.00 / Van 14pax |
| DTY Holidays | 03:00 | From $170.00 / MPV 3pax |
| FQD Travel | 02:00 | From $160.00 / Standard 3pax |
| FQD Travel | 02:00 | From $210.00 / Van 7pax |
| FQD Travel | 02:00 | From $255.00 / Van 12pax |
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ipoh to Penang
How do I book tickets from Ipoh to Penang?
How long does it take to travel from Ipoh to Penang?
Travel time is about 2-3.5 hours by bus, around 2 hours by KTM train to Butterworth, or about 2 hours by private car.
How far is Penang from Ipoh?
The travel distance is approximately 160 km by road or railway.
How much does travel from Ipoh to Penang cost?
Bus tickets cost $3-6, KTM train tickets $8-27, and private cars about $100-220 per vehicle.
Are there direct flights from Ipoh to Penang?
No. The available options are bus, KTM train to Butterworth, or a private transfer.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest option is the tourist bus, with fares starting from about $3 per person.
What is the best transport option?
The bus is the most convenient choice because many services travel directly to Penang Island without changing to a ferry.
Is there a direct train to Penang Island?
No. KTM trains stop at Butterworth, where you can continue by a short ferry to George Town.
Where can I travel from Penang?
From Penang you can travel to Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur or Langkawi by bus, ferry or plane.
Is Malaysia an affordable destination?
Yes. Malaysia offers affordable transport, food and accommodation, making it a great destination for budget and mid-range travelers.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ipoh to Penang
Traveling from Ipoh to Penang covers about 160 km. You can travel by direct bus, KTM ETS train + ferry, or private car, with the train offering one of the fastest journeys.
- Choose the Direct Bus: Many buses go straight to Penang Island without changing transport.
- Take the ETS Train: KTM ETS trains reach Butterworth in about 2 hours, followed by a short ferry to George Town.
- Check Your Arrival Point: Some buses stop at Butterworth, others continue directly to Penang Island.
- Travel Mid-Week: Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
- Book Early: ETS trains and popular bus departures can sell out during peak travel periods.
- Use a Private Car: Ideal for families or groups looking for a fast door-to-door transfer.
Tip: Bus tickets, train tickets and private transfers from Ipoh to Penang can be searched and booked online in advance.